The decrease in donations is likely due to vacations, school breaks, and high temperatures over the summer, which often lead to fewer people scheduling appointments. At the same time, the demand for blood has risen due to an increase in trauma cases. Blood donations are used for emergency surgeries, cancer treatments, organ transplants, and for patients with sickle cell and other forms of anemia. They are also essential for people in labor and delivery and for premature babies.

The Cook County YMCA is hosting a blood drive this week on September 18 and 19. The blood donation bus will be parked in the YMCA’s parking lot, and community members are encouraged to donate.

Cook County YMCA Blood Drive Details:

• What: Cook County YMCA Blood Drive

• When: Thursday, September 18th, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Friday, September 19th, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

• Where: Bus parked in the Cook County YMCA parking lot.

• How: Donations are by appointment only.

According to Memorial Blood Centers, as of 11:15 a.m. this morning, the following appointments are open:

• Thursday, September 18th: The most urgent need is for appointments in the late morning and throughout the afternoon, with openings at 11:40 AM, 11:50 AM, 12:10 PM, 12:20 PM, 12:30 PM, 12:40 PM, 12:50 PM, 1:20 PM, 2:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 2:50 PM, 3:00 PM, 3:10 PM, 3:20 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:00 PM, 4:10 PM, 4:20 PM, 4:30 PM, and 4:40 PM.

• Friday, September 19th: Early morning appointments are especially needed, with slots open at 9:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 9:40 AM, 9:50 AM, 10:00 AM, 10:10 AM, 10:20 AM, 10:30 AM, 10:40 AM, 10:50 AM, 11:00 AM, 11:10 AM, 11:20 AM, 11:30 AM, and 11:40 AM.

Memorial Blood Centers also stated that donors who are O-positive, O-negative, A-negative, or B-negative are particularly encouraged to consider a "double red cell" donation, which can save even more lives.

To schedule an appointment, for more information, or to check your eligibility, you can visit the Memorial Blood Center website. You can also contact Alex at (218) 387-3386 to sign up.